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In 2018, Central Florida was ranked first in the nation for job growth, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, Forbes magazine ranked the metro Orlando region No. 1 to invest in a home with an estimated 84,000 building permits issued in Orange County valued at $2.3 billion. Orange County also earned the highest AAA credit rating from Moody's Investors Service, recognizing its fiscal reliability and continued quality-of-life enhancements.

Wekiva Basin Area Requirements

On July 1, 2018, rules for property owners in the Wekiva Basin became effective. The 2016 Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Chapter 373, Part VIII) requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to do two main things:

Adopt recovery and prevention strategies to maintain healthy water levels in the aquifer that feeds the springs; and

Develop plans to manage the basin in a manner that ensures pollution is prevented or removed from the system.

FDEP has determined that septic tanks are a major source of nutrient pollution in the springs. Orange County and other stakeholders are mandated to implement various strategies to reduce total nitrogen levels.

Changes for Septic Tank Owners

Property owners of lots less than one acre with existing septic tanks, within the Priority Focus Area (PFA), will need to upgrade their system to a higher efficiency nitrogen treatment unit or connect to sanitary sewer where available. Please check with the Orange County Health Department for more information as this requirement becomes effective once the Florida Department of Health has finished rulemaking. Please refer to the FAQs for additional details and information.

If you do live in the PFA, see below for information on funding toward your upgrade or connection.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the permitting requirements for septic systems changing?

In 2016, the Florida Legislature identified 30 “Outstanding Florida Springs” that require additional protections to ensure their conservation and restoration for future generations. These protections will be outlined in restoration plans, known as Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), focused on reducing nitrogen pollution that is impacting the water quality of these springs. In some areas, the water leaving septic tanks has been identified as a major contributor to nitrogen pollution. Where this occurs, the law requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to include a septic system remediation plan within that spring’s BMAP. The law requires specific actions regarding both existing and new septic systems located near impacted springs within areas known as Priority Focus Areas.

Why are these changes to septic system permitting important?

Nitrogen pollution is impacting the water quality of many of Florida’s Outstanding Springs. Water from conventional septic systems is high in nitrogen, and that water leaves the septic system drain field, reaches the aquifer and emerges in the springs. While conventional septic systems are good at removing many pollutants from wastewater, they are not designed to remove nitrogen. To restore spring water quality, contributing septic systems need to be either removed or upgraded to include enhanced nitrogen-reducing technology.

Why are septic systems being addressed only in certain areas?

Septic systems pose the highest threat to water quality in areas where they are located near springs with highly permeable (sandy) soil. These vulnerable areas are identified as Priority Focus Areas in the remediation plans.

How can I find out if I am affected by new system permitting requirements?

Requirements for new septic system permits apply to lots less than one acre within a Priority Focus Area.

How do I know if I live in the Priority Focus Area?

View the interactive map or use the Orange County PFA search tool on this web page.

How will homeowners be affected if they have an existing septic system?

For existing systems within the Priority Focus Areas, nothing will immediately change. However, in the future, failing systems will need to be enhanced with nitrogen-removing technology or the home/business will need to connect to central sewer. These requirements will be put in place after certain programs, such as homeowner grant programs to assist with offsetting the cost of replacement systems, are established and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has completed rulemaking for septic systems. These requirements will be phased in no later than five years after the adoption of the restoration plans.

How and where will permitting for new septic systems change?

Requirements for installation of new homes or businesses needing new septic systems on lots less than one acre within the Priority Focus Areas will change. These new systems will be required to include enhanced treatment of nitrogen. The installation of nitrogen-reducing systems will not be required if a central sewer connection project is planned by the local government and the project has been included in the remediation plan. These changes will apply to all new system permits issued on or after adoption of the Basin Management Action Plan (no later than July 1, 2018).

What is the schedule for my neighborhood to upgrade?

For existing systems, nothing will change until FDEP provides funding mechanism to help offset upgraded system and sewer connection fees.

What became effective on July 1, 2018?

Requests for new septic permits within the Priority Focus Areas on lots less than one acre are required to install a nitrogen treatment system or connect to sewer.

What are the options for upgrading your septic system to an nitrogen treatment system?

FDOH designates which treatment systems are permittable. You can view their website and/or contact them directly for current information at 850-245-4250 or AskEH@flhealth.gov to obtain a list or verify that the system you are interested in is permittable within the BMAP requirements.

What happens when the power goes out on a septic system that requires electricity?

Because septic system design can vary, questions about specific systems can be answered by your Florida Department of Health (FDOH) representative or design professional. FDOH has a research team that can be contacted at 850-245-4250 or AskEH@flhealth.gov.

What is the process for hooking up to sanitary sewer?

If your home is eligible for sanitary sewer service, your local utility provider can walk you through the process to hook your property up to sanitary sewer.

What is the cost for the upgraded septic systems?

First, determine that your selected system is permitted by Florida Department of Health (FDOH) per BMAP requirements. Contact a local contractor to obtain cost information. The manufacturer can provide information about local contractors trained to install and provide maintenance of nitrogen reduction systems. Contact FDOH directly for specific questions and current information at 850-245-4250 or AskEH@flhealth.gov.

What is the cost for hookup to sanitary?

Each local utility provider sets the hookup rates based on their own criteria. Contact your local utility provider to determine the cost for your property.

Are there any grants or government assistance for paying for these options?

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is working with the water management districts, Florida Department of Health and local governments to develop grant programs to provide funding assistance that will offset homeowner costs for replacement of existing systems. FDEP will administer the grant program to help homeowners cover the difference in costs for upgrading their existing septic system to enhanced nitrogen treatment systems that reduce impacts to springs. In areas that are connecting to central sewer, FDEP and the water management districts will continue to provide funding to the local governments and utilities to offset a portion of connection costs for homeowners.

How do I know which type of advanced system to choose for my lot size?

Florida Department of Health has information on lot size requirements on their web page.

What is the status of the passive septic drainfield availability?

Rule updates for the Florida Department of Health are located at www.flrules.org, and updated information is maintained for the Wekiva BMAP on this page.

Can any septic company install these nitrogen treatment systems?

Septic system installers must have appropriate training to install nitrogen treatment systems. When installing septic systems, always do your due diligence to ensure you have contracted a state licensed septic tank contractor or a state licensed plumber to do the work.

Is my neighborhood scheduled for sanitary hookups in the near future?

Please contact your local utility provider to determine if your home is scheduled for sanitary sewer hookup.

My septic system is working and I have it pumped out regularly, do I need to upgrade?

Yes. Unfortunately, regular maintenance of a septic system only addresses bacteria and does not address the nutrients that are causing impairment of our spring shed. Only upgrading to a nitrogen treatment system or hooking up to sanitary can help address this issue.

I am in a rural area, can I still hookup to sanitary sewer?

Your local utility provider can provide you with information on whether sanitary sewer is available or may become available for your area.

What happens in 20 years if the targets are not met?

Florida Department of Environmental Protection will review the water-quality data every five years, assess the progress and adjust the focus and requirements as needed.

Do I have to upgrade my system now or when it fails?

Your system will have to be upgraded if it fails, and, if it does not, all systems within the Priority Focus Area will need to be upgraded within the next 20 years.

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